Five College Coastal and Marine Sciences Certificate

Program Overview

The Five College Coastal and Marine Sciences Certificate is an interdisciplinary program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the ocean and related policy issues. Through a combination of hands-on coursework, fieldwork, and an independent research project, the program prepares students for a range of careers in research, management, education, and government related to coastal and marine science. The program is offered through the Five Colleges consortium of institutions in western Massachusetts.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Five College Coastal and Marine Sciences Certificate is an interdisciplinary program designed for students interested in the ocean. It offers a hands-on curriculum that draws from various natural and social science disciplines, including animal behavior, biology, botany, chemistry, ecology, engineering, geology, natural resources management, zoology, government, public policy, and economics.

Objectives:

The program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of coastal and marine science and policy. It equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful careers in the field or further graduate studies.

Description:

The certificate program requires students to complete six courses, engage in a minimum of 80 hours of fieldwork, and undertake an independent research project. Students are assigned a faculty advisor to guide them through the program. The capstone project allows students to conduct in-depth research in an area of their interest, preparing them for future endeavors.

Careers:

The program prepares students for careers in various fields related to coastal and marine science, including:

• Research: Conducting research in marine science, ecology, or conservation.
• Management: Working in natural resource management, environmental policy, or conservation organizations.
• Education: Teaching marine science or environmental education.
• Government: Working in government agencies involved in marine resource management or policy.
• Consulting: Providing expertise in coastal and marine issues to businesses or organizations.

Other:

The program is offered through the Five Colleges, a consortium of five institutions in western Massachusetts: Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.